BioCentury
ARTICLE | Emerging Company Profile

Aursos: A bear bones story

March 16, 2009 7:00 AM UTC

Osteoporosis patients currently must choose between bisphosphonates that prevent bone cell breakdown or Forteo teriparatide, which builds bone. But bisphosphonates eventually result in brittle bones, and Forteo is not indicated for chronically immobile patients. Aursos Inc. thinks its parathyroid hormone products derived from the black bear will overcome both obstacles.

The secret to healthy bones is turnover, according to President and CEO Don Zinn. "Bone is like scaffolding, not like a building. Bones are meant to be replaced," he said. The body naturally remodels bone with osteoblasts, which build bone, and osteoclasts, which resorb bone...